USAEC Environmental Digital Project Development Internship

The U.S. Army Environmental Command (USAEC) at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas is seeking a qualified intern who is currently pursuing, or has an earned bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in Life Science, Physical Science, or a related discipline. At USAEC, stewardship through ecosystem management is the underlying approach, and elements of the program include forest management, fish and wildlife (nongame and game), threatened and endangered species, habitat and community management, environmental awareness and environmental protection.

Why should I apply and what will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will assess, develop, review and recommend environmental projects/products (prior to release to the public), and continue to track and maintain engagements for metrics and analysis of successes and improvements of outcomes to meet set goals. Below are some of the learning outcomes from this project:

• Develop project planning and management skill for strategic environmental initiatives.
• Learn to communicate complex environmental and technical concepts through strategic and scientific outreach print and digital platforms. 
• Contribute to team efforts in problem-solving and solution development.
• Design, Develop and Write compelling visual communications products to showcase USAEC missions, engagements, projects, opportunities and impact.
• Examine the effectiveness of digital and public engagement strategies through impact analysis.
• Immerse into environmental programs such as:
  • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
  • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
  • National Defense Center for Energy & Environment (NDCEE)
  • DoD Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Communicate through professional channels with points of contact at military installations as well as other directorate-level activities about USAEC intent, messaging, directive and installation engagements
• Gain experience in visual media development, image capture & editing, digital media platforms, environmental educational outreach, and more.
• Translate technical content into accessible language for diverse audiences.

In addition, as the selected participant, you will have the opportunity to interact with environmental public affairs specialists, environmental support managers, biologists, geologists, chemists, entomologists, archeologists, environmental restoration managers, NEPA practitioners, as well as engineers, across all levels of local, state, federal and some international governments.

Where will I be located?

San Antonio, Texas - Fort Sam Houston

What is the anticipated start date?

The USAEC is ready to make appointments upon selection. Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at USAEC. OPM can complete a background investigation only for individuals, including non-US citizens, who have resided in the U.S. for the past three years.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by USAEC. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Training and Travel Allowance

About U.S. Army Environmental Command (USAEC) 

For the past 50 years, the USAEC has evolved to better serve and support the Army's expanding role in protecting the environment in a manner that enables Soldier readiness and mission accomplishment. Armed with lessons from the past and a vision for the future, USAEC leads and executes environmental programs and provides the environmental expertise that enables Army readiness and sustains the environment for a secure future. For more information about the USAEC, please visit https://aec.army.mil/

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.  Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.